Online poker is a card game played over the internet that can be played for real money. It is regulated in the states that allow it, and players must be at least 18 or 21 years old to participate. Many online poker sites also offer free play to let you practice your skills and get a feel for the games before you start playing for real money. However, it’s important to be wary of offshore poker sites that don’t adhere to basic consumer protection laws and may close suddenly without warning.

Most online poker sites are member of one or more major poker networks that connect them to large numbers of players. When you sign up to a site you’ll need to provide personal information such as name and address, email and phone number and create a user account with a password. You’ll then deposit funds to your account and begin playing. You’ll usually be able to choose between a downloadable client or an instant-play version that will load in your browser. Choosing the right option for you depends on your computer’s capabilities and the speed of your internet connection.

While most of us know the basics of the rules of poker, mastering this game takes time and effort. It is not something that you can become good at in a few days or weeks, and even professional players have to dedicate several years to the game before they’re considered experts. In addition to dedicating time and effort, you need a bit of luck on your side as well, so you should always be prepared for an occasional loss.

Unlike traditional casinos, where the tables are filled with gamblers, the majority of people who play poker online do so from the comfort of their own homes. This allows them to focus solely on the game without being distracted by the presence of strangers. It also allows them to make more comfortable bets and play at a higher stake. Moreover, the ease of access to the game means that more people are likely to play poker, and this will drive up the amount of money that can be won or lost in any given session.

In the United States, there are now multiple regulated states where online poker is available to players. New Jersey’s online poker market was launched in 2013 and now brings in more than $4 million per month. Pennsylvania and Michigan are expected to join the fold soon, further expanding the multi-state pool and potentially boosting revenue.

While federal gambling laws prohibit interstate competition, many states have opted to join a multi-state compact that allows them to combine their player pools. This is a huge step forward for the future of online poker, and will open up the possibility of large prize money for tournaments. Generally speaking, the top 10% or 20% of the field receives prize money in a tournament, with the prize pools growing as the final players reach the final table.